Yesterday we woke
to the news we have long been waiting for Gerardo, Ramón and Antonio have
returned to their beloved Cuba and their families, free at last after 16 years
of unjust imprisonment.

Many people
around the world have been in solidarity with the Cuban people to campaign for
the Freedom of the Five and see an end to this injustice. We were all inspired
by the words of Fidel in 2001 that “they shall return”.

As we have come
to expect Fidel’s words were realised – history has absolved him and the Cuban
Five are Free.

We will continue
to support Cuba’s challenges in the new US-Cuba relations until the inhumane
blockade is finally lifted as well as the return of Guantanamo Bay to the
people of Cuba.

We have seen
before when there is a gross miscarriage of justice such as the unjust
imprisonment of Mandela that the struggle and resistance of people can be
triumphant in bringing about truth and victory.

We congratulate
the Cuban Five, their families, the Cuban people and their government as well
as the millions of activists around the world for this victory.

The Australia
Cuba Friendship Society in Western Australia celebrates this victory for
justice and freedom with Gerardo, Antonio, Ramon, Fernando and Rene and all the
people of Cuba. The Cuban Five are finally free!